If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you know that chickens are great at recycling kitchen scraps. Not only does feeding your chickens kitchen scraps help reduce waste, but it can also provide them with a varied diet and save you money on feed costs. However, not all kitchen scraps are safe or healthy for chickens to eat. We’ll go over some common types of kitchen scraps that you should avoid giving to your chickens.

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Top kitchen scraps to avoid giving

Avocado

Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can be harmful to chickens. While the flesh of the avocado contains a lower concentration of persin, the highest concentration is found in the leaves, bark, and pit of the avocado. Ingesting too much persin can cause respiratory distress, heart failure, and even death in chickens.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to chickens and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. It can also contain caffeine which is not recommended for chickens. While most chickens will not actively seek out chocolate, it’s important to keep it away from them.

Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in chickens when not consumed in moderation, leading to anemia. These compounds are more concentrated in the skin and roots of onions and garlic, but are still present in the flesh. The general rule of thumb is that onions and garlic may be given to chickens twice per month.

Potato peels

Potato peels contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and even death in chickens. While the flesh of potatoes is safe for chickens to eat, it’s important to avoid giving them the peels.

Citrus fruits

While small amounts of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are generally safe for chickens to eat, large amounts can cause digestive upset and even lead to a calcium deficiency. This is because citrus fruits contain high levels of citric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption in chickens. Take care to moderate your chickens’ consumption of citric acid.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, a compound that can be toxic to chickens in large amounts. Ingesting too much oxalic acid can lead to gastrointestinal upset, kidney damage, and even death in chickens.

Raw or dried beans

Raw or dried beans contain a substance called lectin, which can be toxic to chickens and cause digestive upset, weakness, and even death. While cooked beans are safe for chickens to eat, it’s important to avoid giving them raw or dried beans.

General Rules

Anything spoiled or moldy

Spoiled or moldy food can contain harmful bacteria and toxins that can make chickens sick. One of the most common issues with spoiled and moldy food is mycotoxicosis. It’s important to only feed chickens fresh, healthy food and to dispose of any food that has gone bad.

Salty or sugary foods

While chickens enjoy treats like bread and crackers, these foods should only be given in moderation. Foods that are high in salt or sugar can lead to health problems like obesity, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances in chickens.

Anything high in fat

While chickens do require some fat in their diet, foods that are high in fat like fried foods, fatty meats, and cheese should be given in moderation. Too much fat can lead to health problems like obesity, liver disease, and even death in chickens.

Other tips and tricks

When feeding kitchen scraps to chickens, it’s also important to avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to health problems like obesity and can also attract rodents and other pests to your chicken coop. It’s also important to note that while some kitchen scraps are safe for chickens to eat, they should still be given in moderation. Too much of any one type of food can upset a chicken’s digestive system and lead to health problems.

In addition to avoiding the kitchen scraps listed above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when feeding chickens kitchen scraps:

1. Don’t feed chickens anything that is spoiled, moldy, or has gone bad. This can cause digestive upset and make chickens sick.
2. Make sure to chop or shred large pieces of food into smaller pieces to make it easier for chickens to eat and digest.
3. Don’t give chickens foods that are too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can also upset their digestive system.
4. Keep in mind that not all chickens have the same dietary needs. For example, young chickens and laying hens have different nutritional requirements than older chickens or roosters.

Erring on the side of caution

If you’re unsure whether a certain food is safe for your chickens to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them. You can also consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert for advice on what to feed your chickens.

In conclusion, feeding chickens kitchen scraps can be a great way to reduce waste, provide them with a varied diet, and save money on feed costs. However, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re feeding them and to avoid giving them foods that are toxic, spoiled, or high in salt, sugar, or fat. By providing chickens with a balanced diet that includes a good quality commercial feed and fresh water, along with thoughtful kitchen scraps, you can help ensure their health and wellbeing.